Former TIJT student captures jewelry honor

Published or Revised March 24, 2009

A graduate of the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College has won a national award for jewelry design. A student at TIJT from 1995-97, Jonathan C. Smiddy is now based in Garden City, Kan., at Regan Jewelers. Smiddy won first prize in the 19th annual Jewelers of America Affiliate Design Competition, which featured unique entries from top jewelry designers around the nation. It was held at the JA New York trade show, Jan. 18-20, in New York City. "Jonathan is an outstanding young man who volunteered with Upward Bound as a student," said TIJT Director Ulla Raus. "While here he won the Swest Award of Excellence, chosen by the faculty for the student showing outstanding character, workmanship and attendance. He returns at least once a year to give a PowerPoint presentation to current students about his pieces demonstrating what works and doesn't work in the real world." Smiddy's winning entry is a striking rutilated quartz pendant cut by Rick Stinson in an elongated kite shape. Smiddy completed the piece with laser and torch. He titled the pendant "Accupressure," and its pointy shape, combined with the shooting sparks of rutile in the main stone, evokes the pressure points used in acupressure. "Jewelers of America is honored to recognize the exceptional talents of regional jewelers, like Jonathan Smiddy, whose design demonstrates the remarkable jewelry available from Jewelers of America-member stores nationwide," said Jewelers of America Chairman John Green, of Lux Bond & Green. Smiddy, a creator of many statement pendants for Regan Jewelers, entered his pendant in Category I of the competition (for jewelry using materials worth from $1,000 and under). A panel of industry experts awarded the first place prize to his design based on its craftsmanship, marketability, practicality/wearability and overall design. Jewelers of America is the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace with 11,000 members stores. Its primary purpose is to improve consumer confidence in the jewelry industry. Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College has been training future jewelers and watchmakers since 1942. TIJT attracts students from across the United States and from around the world.